Yes, every player receives a shirt and a hat from their coach after the season starts. The team coach will decide the color pants, socks & belt that you will need to purchase.

What is the season start and end date?

Spring starts in the middle of February and goes through middle to late May.

Fall starts middle of September and ends before Thanksgiving.

What is the schedule?

Schedules will be available after the drafts are completed. The coaches pick their practice day and time during the player draft. There is no way to know the schedule until after the teams have been selected.

How many practices and games will there be?

Typically each team will practice once a week and have 2 games per week.

During Fall, all games are held in the evening during the week. In Spring, there are also games on Saturday morning for some divisions. Practices are generally held on the weekend.

In which division should my child play?

The divisions are divided by age and skill. A player may be placed in a higher or lower division depending on skill and/or if there is a safety risk.

Baseball (ALL AGES REFER TO LEAGUE AGE):

Tee Ball: 4 - 6 years old

Minor A: 7 - 8 years old

Minor AA: 8 - 10 years old

Minor AAA: 9 - 11 years old

Majors: 10 - 12 years old

Intermediate: 11 - 13 years old

Junior: 12 - 14 years old

Senior: 13 - 16 years old

Softball (ALL AGES REFER TO LEAGUE AGE):

Coach Pitch: 6 - 9 years old

Player Pitch: 8 - 11 years old

Majors: 10 - 12 years old

Are there tryouts?

Yes, tryouts are held for most divisions the week before the player draft in Fall and Spring. There are no tryouts for Tee Ball divisions.

Does everyone make the team?

Yes, every player will be assigned to a team. Their individual skill level and age will determine the division in which they play.

What equipment do I need?

Every player will need a glove. It is also recommended that players have their own bats and helmets (must include face mask). If you are buying your own bats please ensure that the bats are aproved by USA Baseball, click here for more info.

Who do I talk to at NELL if I have a problem after the season starts?

The first step in communication should be with your child’s coach. The next level of communication is the Player Agent for your child’s division. You can find the Player Agent’s contact information under the Board Member section of the NELL website.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, NELL does not want to exclude any child from playing due to a financial hardship. You can contact the President to discuss a scholarship need.

What if we move?

First ensure that your new address is within the NELL Boundry map. If so, no problem. However, if you are planning on moving outside the NELL boundries, you may still be eligible to obtain a waiver from Little League to allow your child to continue to play at NELL. If you are planning to move but wish to have your child continue playing at NELL, please contact the President (president@northeastll.com) for assistance.

Coaches

How many coaches are there per team?

In most cases there is 1 team manager and 2 team coaches.

How can I become a coach?

Register to coach in your chosen division during online Registration.

Do I need experience to coach at NELL? Will I receive training?

No experience is necessary to become a coach at NELL. In fact, we rely on new coaches each season, especially in the younger divisions. Every season NELL hosts a Coaches Clinic at their fields to help new and experiecned coaches alike. If you have any further questions around coaching, please feel free to email our coaching coordinator (coaches@northeastll.com).

How much time is involved in coaching a team?

Managers and coaches will have 2 games and 1 practice per week, which total about 7-8 hours per week when pre-game time is factored in. Additionally, there will be another couple hours per week for prep time, especially at the beginning of the season. Experienced coaches and our Coaching Coordinator are happy to help in the planning phases to ease the transition for newer coaches.

How does the draft work?

Tryouts are held for each age group. Each manager and coach evaluates every player. A draft is coordinated by the VP of Baseball and each division’s Player Agent where each team is selected by the manager and coach.